Nick laughed at the witty comment. “Indeed. I’ve been soundly schooled on the error of my ways. Chalk it up to my newlywed status.”

“You’ll learn,” Ambrose said with a grin.

Nelson propped his elbows on his knees and leaned forward to address Nick directly. “I like you, Senator. I like everything about you. I’d be deeply honored if you would reconsider my offer.”

And there it was...

“I heard your concerns about your wife the last time we spoke,” Nelson continued. “I appreciate and respect your desire not to disrupt her career or her life—or your son’s life. I’ve asked Ambrose to be here to address those concerns.” With a glance at the Secret Service director, Nelson passed the ball to him.

“You may not be aware that only the president, vice president, president-elect and vice president-elect are required to have Secret Service protection. Spouses and family members can opt out of protection, although we don’t recommend it. I understand from the president you were concerned about your wife being required to have Secret Service protection, which would naturally impair her ability to perform her duties as a member of the Metropolitan Police Department. I’m here to tell you she can opt out of protection if she so chooses. We would recommend, however, that should you accept the president’s offer, you provide protection for your son.”

Nick’s head was spinning as he absorbed what Ambrose was saying. Sam wouldn’t be required to have Secret Service protection. “Are you saying my wife would be permitted to keep her position with the MPD, go to work every day the way she does now and move freely around the city should I choose to accept the president’s offer?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Ambrose replied.

To Nelson, Nick said, “And you’d be okay with that? You’re aware of what she does and how often she makes headlines of her own?”

“I’m aware, and I’d be fine with it.”

“She lives in constant fear of her work causing political trouble for me. That’s always a possibility.”

“I understand,” Nelson said. “And since I’m not running for anything ever again—thank you, Jesus—that’d be your problem, not mine.”

Nick felt his resistance weakening. “Her dad is a quadriplegic. He lives three doors up the street from us. She wouldn’t want to move away from him, even if she was still in the District.”

“We’re aware of that,” Ambrose said, “and we’re prepared to make allowances to keep you in your current home. With some adjustments for security, of course.”

“Well,” Nick said, releasing the deep breath he’d been holding. “You’ve certainly given this a lot of thought and managed to allay my most pressing concerns.”

“I’m still not hearing a ‘Yes, Mr. President, I’d be delighted to accept your offer,’” Nelson said.